Psychology and mental health

Current conceptualizations on masochism: genesis and object relations

Article Abstract:

Masochism is generally characterized by excessive self-defeating behavior. There has been much controversy over the use of the term because it has been strongly associated with sex and gender roles. Traditionally, women are perceived as submissive and therefore, masochistic, while men are perceived as dominant, and relative to submissive women, sadistic. However, there is debate over the sexual basis of masochism; if pleasure is derived from the pain of submission; and concerning the origins of the masochistic character. Current thought characterizes the masochist as self-sacrificing, self-deprecating, and willing to please others. Masochists have a strong need for control and are dependent upon others. However, the masochist often suppresses ambivalence and anger. Deprivation is suggested to be an important early factor in the development of the masochistic character, resulting from a weak attachment to parents. The childhood of a masochist is usually an unpredictable experience and parents are egocentric. When choosing a partner, masochists often choose someone with whom they hope to recreate the parental relationship in an attempt to heal old wounds. They often choose mates who satisfy their image of the ideal self, but who are unloving. By 'good' behavior, the masochist hopes to win that love. Masochists tend to enmesh with their partner as well, protecting against the feared loss of this person. Despite the controversies surrounding its use, the term masochism has clinical value when defined in terms of the characteristic self-defeating way of relating to the world. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Author: Glickauf-Hughes, Cheryl, Wells, Marolyn

Publisher:Association for the Advancement of PsychotherapyPublication Name:American Journal of PsychotherapySubject:Psychology and mental healthISSN:0002-9564Year:1991

Self-destructive behavior, Self injurious behavior

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Etiology of the masochistic and narcissistic personality

Article Abstract:

Sometimes narcissistic and masochistic personalities develop in children from the same family, where one or both parents are narcissistic themselves. The children who become narcissistic are generally the ones viewed as good by the parents, while the children who develop masochistic characters are often those the parents use as scapegoats. The roles that parents choose for particular children are apparently assigned based on a number of factors, including the child's birth order, resemblance to grandparents or other family members, gender, temperament, and special talents or handicaps.

Author: Glickauf-Hughes, Cheryl

Publisher:Palgrave Macmillan, a Division of Macmillan Publishers Ltd.Publication Name:The American Journal of PsychoanalysisSubject:Psychology and mental healthISSN:0002-9548Year:1997

Symptoms of a personality disorder that manifests narcissistic and obsessive-compulsive tendencies are described. These include an obsession with perfectionism, feelings of grandiosity and extreme defensiveness of narcissistic tendencies. A two-stage therapy program is prescribed for the treatment of this mixed personality disorder. In the first stage, the narcissistic complex is mainly addressed, while the second stage deals with the obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Author: Glickauf-Hughes, Cheryl, Wells, Marolyn

Publisher:Palgrave Macmillan, a Division of Macmillan Publishers Ltd.Publication Name:The American Journal of PsychoanalysisSubject:Psychology and mental healthISSN:0002-9548Year:1995